Lighting Director
A Lighting Director (LD) designs and executes the lighting plan for studio, stage, and live event productions. They create lighting plots, select and position fixtures, program lighting consoles, and make real-time adjustments during live shows. The LD works closely with the Technical Director and Director of Photography to ensure the visual look matches the creative vision while meeting broadcast technical standards.
Typical Equipment
A Lighting Director typically arrives on set with the following professional equipment:
- Lighting console (ETC, GrandMA)
- LED panel arrays
- Ellipsoidal and Fresnel fixtures
- DMX controllers and cables
- Truss and rigging hardware
- Color gels and diffusion
When to Book a Lighting Director
This role is commonly booked for the following types of productions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Lighting Director do?
A Lighting Director is a specialized video production professional responsible for their area of expertise on set. They bring professional equipment and years of experience to every shoot, ensuring broadcast-quality results.
How much does it cost to hire a Lighting Director?
Day rates for a Lighting Director vary by market, experience level, and project scope. Assignment Desk provides competitive W2 rates that include payroll, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. Contact us for a custom quote.
Where can I hire a Lighting Director near me?
Assignment Desk has Lighting Director professionals available in 24+ US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and more. Our nationwide network ensures local crew availability for any production.